Horse Trading

The Christian Science Monitor envisions a political compromise where trying the alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a military tribunal is exchanged for the closing of Gitmo. “Abandoning plans to try alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in federal court could allow the Obama administration to finally close the military-run prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Some Republicans who are adamantly opposed to allowing Guantanamo prisoners access to the US civilian justice system might support closing “Gitmo” if the White House reverses course, and agrees to try Mr. Mohammed and four of his alleged conspirators via military commission. Some of the administration’s more liberal supporters likely would be angered by such a move, however. ‘If the president flip-flops and retreats to the Bush military commissions, he will betray his campaign promise to restore the rule of law, demonstrate that his principles are up for grabs and lose all credibility with Americans who care about justice and the rule of law,’ said Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, in a statement.”